Fall for It All: Grand Adventures in Greater Grand Forks
When autumn arrives in Greater Grand Forks, the landscape transforms into a vibrant display of color, crisp air and seasonal excitement. Whether you're searching for family-friendly fun, scenic outdoor escapes, festive fall attractions or unique shopping experiences, you'll find countless ways to celebrate the season in the Forks.
GET LOST IN THE WORLD'S LARGEST CORN MAZE
Valley Corn Maize
Ready for an unforgettable fall adventure? Challenge yourself at Valley Corn Maize, home to the World's Largest Corn Maze. Spanning an incredible 121 acres, this one-of-a-kind attraction features five maze levels designed to entertain visitors of all ages.
Beyond navigating the maze, guests can enjoy themed weekends throughout the season, including favorites like Canines in the Corn and the after-dark Flashlight Dash Night.
Additional attractions include:
- Giant Bubble Station
- Spider Web Climber
- Corn Box Play Area
- Rat Rollers
- Bee-Line Zip Line
- Giant Slide
Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sundays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 5.5 miles east of East Grand Forks off Highway 2
More Information: ValleyCornMaize.com
EXPLORE 20 MILES OF SCENIC RIVERFRONT TRAILS
The Greenway of Greater Grand Forks
Autumn is the perfect time to experience the natural beauty of the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks. Stretching across 2,220 acres with more than 20 miles of paved trails, the Greenway offers endless opportunities for biking, walking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation.
Start your journey at Riverside Park and make your way toward Downtown East Grand Forks. Along the route, you'll discover stunning river views and convenient stops for dining and relaxation.
Once you reach Restaurant Row and The Boardwalk, treat yourself to a meal at local favorites such as The Blue Moose Bar & Grill, Mike’s Pizza or Bernie's, all offering patio seating and picturesque Red River views.
Dining Along Restaurant Row
- The Blue Moose Bar & Grill // 507 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks // TheBlueMoose.net
- Mike’s Pizza & Pub // 411 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks // MikesPizzaEGF.com
- Bernie’s // 121 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks // BerniesEastGrandForks.com
Need a set of wheels? Hop aboard Grand Rides Bike Share, Greater Grand Forks' free community bike share program, to take advantage of conveniently located stations throughout the community. Learn more, find bike locations and download the app here.
FIND THE PERFECT PUMPKIN
Patch on the Point
For classic autumn fun, head to Patch on the Point at Paradise Stables near East Grand Forks. This seasonal attraction combines farm charm with family-friendly entertainment, making it a favorite fall destination.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides
- Pony rides
- A large pumpkin patch
- Petting zoo encounters
- A 100-foot super slide
- Pedal cart and tricycle track
- Adventure trails
- Lawn games
- Weekend events and rotating food trucks
Whether you're picking pumpkins or creating family memories, Patch on the Point offers a full day of fall fun.
Hours:
Thursday-Friday: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 20753 440th Avenue SW, East Grand Forks
More Information: PointParadiseStables.com
CHASE FALL COLORS
Turtle River State Park
Just 20 miles west of Grand Forks, Turtle River State Park offers a picture-perfect autumn escape. Pack a picnic, hit the trail, and immerse yourself in some of North Dakota's most beautiful fall scenery.
This 784-acre park features:
- Rolling, forested hills
- Twelve miles of hiking trails
- A trout-stocked stream
- Scenic waterfalls
- Peaceful picnic areas
- Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities
It's the ideal destination for leaf peeping, photography, hiking or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in nature.
Location: 3084 Park Avenue, Arvilla
More Information: ParkRec.ND.Gov/TurtleRiverStatePark
KICK OFF YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON
Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase
Mark your calendar for November 13-14, 2026, when the annual Pride of Dakota Showcase returns to Grand Forks.
This beloved event brings together makers, artists, and entrepreneurs from across the region, offering an impressive collection of locally produced goods, including:
- Gourmet foods
- Handmade jewelry
- Artwork
- Books
- Sporting goods
- Apparel
- Home décor
- Specialty gifts
With free admission and something for every shopper, it's the perfect place to discover unique holiday treasures while supporting Dakota businesses.
Hours: Friday, Noon to 8 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Alerus Center, 1200 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks
More Information: PrideofDakota.ND.Gov/Events/GrandForks2026
EXPERIENCE FALL FUN & FRIGHTS
Nelson's Pumpkin Patch
Just west of Grand Forks near Emerado, Nelson's Pumpkin Patch delivers a full lineup of seasonal adventures for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Popular attractions include:
- Expansive pumpkin fields
- Tractor-pulled hayrides
- Preschool straw maze
- Eleven-acre corn maze
- Petting zoo
- Trike track
- Corn cannon
- Family games
- Seasonal concessions
- Gruesome Canary Haunted House
Whether you're carving pumpkins or embracing spooky season, Nelson's offers a memorable fall experience for all ages.
Hours: Weekdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Weekends, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 2448 20th Avenue NE, Emerado
More Information: NelsonsPumpkinPatch.com
FRIGHTFULLY FUN FORKS HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES
As October 2026 rolls in, Greater Grand Forks embraces spooky season with a variety of Halloween-themed happenings perfect for families, groups of friends and anyone looking to enjoy a little seasonal fun. From trunk-or-treat celebrations and costume contests to haunted attractions and live events, there are plenty of opportunities to show off your favorite costume and make lasting fall memories. Whether you're seeking family-friendly festivities or a good scare, Halloween brings an extra layer of excitement to the season.
October 18 // Family Voice of North Dakota Trunk or Treat
- 1-3 PM
- Alerus Center VIP parking lot (1200 S 42nd Street Grand Forks)
- AlerusCenter.com
October 23-24 // Legends of Terror at Grand Forks County Historical Society
- 8 PM-Midnight
- 2405 Belmont Road, Grand Forks
- GrandForksHistory.com
October 24 // Trick or Treating
- 11 AM-2 PM
- Midtown District Mall (1726 South Washington Street, Grand Forks)
October 24 // Greater Grand Forks USBC Trunk-or-Treat
- 4-6 PM
- Red Ray Lanes (2105 South Washington St, Grand Forks)
October 25 // Half Pint Haunt
- 2-5 PM
- Grand Forks County Historical Society (2405 Belmont Road, Grand Forks)
- GrandForksHistory.com
October 25 // Trunk or Treat
- 3-5 PM
- Sharon Lutheran (1720 South 20th Street, Grand Forks
October 25 // YMCA Hoot 'N Howl Halloween Bash
- 4-6 PM
- Altru Family YMCA (215 North 7th Street, Grand Forks)
October 29-30 // Ghostly Downtown Walking Tour
- 5-7 PM
- Downtown
- DowntownForks.com
October 30 // Spitfire’s 5-Star Trunk or Treat
- 4:30-7:30 PM
- 5-Star Collision & Glass Center (210 North Washington Street, Grand Forks)
October 30-31 // Rocky Horror Picture Show – LIVE!
- 7 PM & Midnight
- Empire Arts Center (415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks)
- EmpireArtsCenter.com
October 31 // Downtown’s Treat Trail
- 10 AM-1 PM
- Downtown businesses
SIP, SHOP & STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN
Autumn and Downtown Forks are the perfect pairing. Crisp fall air, colorful seasonal scenery and a welcoming small-town atmosphere create the ideal backdrop for a day of shopping, dining and discovering hidden gems around every corner.
Spend an afternoon exploring Downtown Grand Forks' collection of locally owned shops and specialty retailers. Browse fashion, home décor, gifts and one-of-a-kind finds at favorites like The Silo Boutique, RH Standard, Badman Design, Pretty b., Louie's Mercantile and Widman's Candy, where you can sample the legendary chocolate-covered potato chips known as Chippers and seasonal caramel apples.
Featured Downtown Shops
The Silo Boutique
- 12 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks
- TheSiloBoutique.com
RH Standard
- 6 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks
- RHStandard.com
Badman Design
- 18 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks
- Badman.com
Pretty b.
- 33 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks
- ShopPrettyB.com
Louie's Mercantile
- 23 South 4th Street, Grand Forks
- LouiesMercantile.com
Widman's Candy Shop
- 106 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks
- Facebook
When it's time for a break, settle into one of the area's inviting restaurants, breweries, cocktail bars or coffee shops to savor the local flavors. As you explore, keep an eye out for public art, murals and photo-worthy landmarks including:
- Loon Park: 22-24 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks
- Town Square Mural: DeMers Avenue & 3rd Street
- Pillsbury Park: 316 Kittson Avenue
- Alley of Love featuring the new Jenna Brownlee Mural: Between 312 & 314 Kittson Avenue
- The BIG Blue Head: DeMers Avenue & 3rd Street
- Riverwalk Centre Mural: 223 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks
Additional public art installations: Public Art Registry
Looking to add a little history to your outing? Follow the self-guided Talking Trail Tour and discover fascinating stories about the people and places that shaped the community. The official Downtown Walking Tour can be accessed here and then select Grand Forks from the list of Talking Trails.
MAKE THIS FALL A FABULOUS ONE IN FORKS
Crisp mornings, colorful landscapes, pumpkin-filled afternoons and unforgettable adventures await in Greater Grand Forks this fall. Whether you're winding through a world-record corn maze, exploring scenic river trails, enjoying small-town harvest traditions or discovering local treasures in our Downtown District, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the season.
From colorful fall landscapes and seasonal attractions to Halloween festivities and spooky adventures, autumn brings endless opportunities to make memories in the Red River Valley. Gather your favorite people, embrace the magic of the season and discover why this is one of the grandest times of year to experience everything our Forks have to o